DYK .. Fun Facts About the United Kingdom

The UK is full of history and culture. There are now people from all over the world living in various parts of the island, whether in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Even those who live in Britain don’t know everything about their country and here are some fun and amazing facts about it.

The Name Big Ben

When you hear about Big Ben, you will usually think of the clock tower.

While this is where Big Ben is, the name isn’t actually about the tower but the bell that resides inside it.

Windsor Castle

Of all the royal homes around the world, Windsor castle is the largest. The oldest parts of this castle date all the way back to 1066, when William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings.

However, it was not used as the royal home until the reign of Henry I, when the wood was replaced with stone.

Treasonous Acts

Placing a stamp upside down is considered treason. Other treasonous acts include imagining the monarch’s or his or her heir’s deaths, deposing the monarch from his or her established constitutional position and publishing anything that supports this attempt of deposition.

Until 1998, treason was punishable by death.

The Great Fire Of London

When you hear about the destruction caused, it is easy to think that the death toll is large. In fact, only eight people died in the fire that spread throughout the city and destroyed many homes.

It was because of the fire that the plague of 1665 came to an end.

Immigration And Birth Rates

25% of those who live in London today were actually born in another country. They either chose to immigrate or their parents brought them over when they were young.

There is a lot of debate about the current immigration policies, especially with the allowance of EU migrants being allowed into the country and claim benefits.

Ghosts Of Britain

There are many areas of Britain thought to be haunted.

Some of the locations include London Bridge, where a woman in black roams at night, and Hever Castle, where Anne Boleyn’s ghost is trapped.

The London Olympics

By hosting the Olympics in 2012, London became the first city to host it for three times. It was also the first time there was at least one female athlete from each participating country.

The gold medals aren’t actually fully gold. Just 1.3% is gold with the majority being silver!

The Tower Of London

The full name of The Tower is actually Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London.

The first Queen to be held and executed was Queen Anne Boleyn, with Queen Katherine Howard and Mary, Queen of Scots the next two. Rudolf Hess was the last prisoner to be held in The Tower.

History

William the Conqueror ordered that all people we in bed by 8pm every night!

In the Elizabethan Era it was illegal to eat meat on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Polo, rugby and football are all because of England!